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Don't Vote Unless You Are a U.S. Citizen
by: Northwest Justice Project

Who can vote in the U.S.?
Who can register to vote in the U.S.?
What can the INS do if I am not a citizen and I voted in the U.S.?
What should I do if I am not a U.S. citizen and I registered to vote?
What should I do if I am not a U.S. citizen and I voted in the U.S.?

*Amelia has her green card. When she got her driver's license, she was told that she could register to vote even though she was not a citizen. She registered to vote. In November, she voted in the election. Later that year she applied for citizenship. At her citizenship interview, the INS officer asked if she had voted. She said yes. Because of harsh changes in the immigration laws, her application for citizenship was denied and she was put into deportation proceedings.

Who can vote in the U.S.?

Only citizens can vote in Federal, State and most local elections. Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) are not eligible to vote until they become naturalized U.S. citizens.

Who can register to vote in the U.S.?

Only U.S. citizens can register to vote. This means that you should not vote if you are not a U.S. citizen, even if someone tells you that you can.

What can the INS do if I am not a citizen and I voted in the U.S.?

The INS can deny your application for citizenship and may even seek to deport you.

What should I do if I am not a U.S. citizen and I registered to vote?

Remove your name from the list of registered voters. Send a letter to your County Auditor's Office that says "Please cancel my voter registration."

What should I do if I am not a U.S. citizen and I voted in the U.S.?

See an immigration attorney. Do not apply for citizenship before you speak with an attorney.

This publication provides general information concerning your rights and responsibilities. It is not intended as a substitute for specific legal advice.
This information is current as of the date of its printing, February 2000.

© 2003 Northwest Justice Project.
1-888-201-1014, TTY 1-888-201-9737
(Permission for copying and distribution granted to the Washington State Access to Justice Network and individuals for non-commercial use only.)

Last Reviewed On: 02/10/04

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